Hair Disorders

Overview:

Alopecia areata (AA) is one of the most common hair loss disorders characterized by loss of hair in round patches, usually on the scalp. The exact cause of AA is unknown, but it seems to be caused by the immune system attacking the hair follicles by mistake. Having AA can have impact on a child’s sense of well-being and increase their risk of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and OCD. Further, there may an impact on the family’s quality of life. Understanding this burden is paramount to ensuring we understand the full effect AA has on a child. We will do this via an online questionnaire which patients (aged 12-18) and their families can complete at home, anytime, anywhere in the world and in any language. Only through awareness of the full impact of this disease we will be able to advocate for access to treatments but also campaign for recognition and support of mental health in this group.

Status:

This project was funded by a 2022 Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant.

Overview:

People with vitiligo lose their color progressively over time, in locations easily seen like faces and hands. Half of the vitiligo cases start by age 20, one-quarter by age 10 years, making this one of the most common pediatric skin conditions. Children with vitiligo get teased, bullied, and become self-conscious. There are no specific guidelines for the care of pediatric vitiligo. We will gather as experts in pediatric vitiligo to critically review published evidence and make informed recommendations to guide the care of children with vitiligo.

Status:

This project was funded through a 2021 PeDRA Consensus Grant.

Overview:

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder in which the body’s own immune cells attack melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin, resulting in white spots. Melanocytes also exist in other organs of the body, including the ears and eyes, and some research suggests melanocyte destruction may also affect hearing and vision. Using routine screening tests, our study will compare hearing and vision in pediatric patients with and without vitiligo to determine whether children with vitiligo are at increased risk for hearing loss and decreased vision. This could lead to larger studies and could affect if and how often children with vitiligo are referred for screening tests, potentially impacting their development and quality of life.

Status:

This project was funded by a 2021 PeDRA Research Grant.

Overview:

Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of hair loss that affects both adults and children. It may be limited to a few spots on the scalp or lead to hair loss across the whole body. AA has often been inappropriately considered a cosmetic condition; however, it can cause significant emotional and psychosocial distress. This can negatively impact the quality of life in affected children. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for this disease. However, we do know that injecting steroids into the areas of hair loss can lead to regrowth. Unfortunately, the use of needles can be scary and painful for children, and many are unable to tolerate this treatment option. We aim to study the tolerability and effectiveness of a novel medical device that can deliver medication into the skin without the use of a needle.

Status:

This project was funded by a 2021 PeDRA Research Grant.